4 bikes on roof rails experience
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02-06-2025 09:17PM#1
Hi,
I wanted to transport 4 bikes, 2 adult, 2 kids with the kids getting bigger with age. Looked at rear window mount. One brand claims it's possible on rear window but cycle shop advised against and it may damage rear spoiler or break rear glass. It may also not be possible to access boot when bikes fitted.
Shop recommended towbar based 4 carrier. However my car has no tow rating, it might be possible as towbars exist, but I asked about roof rails. Guy in shop said it should be ok. I checked my vehicle paper book which says 100kG maximum on roof evenly spread. I already had a matching roof rack, beware there are lots of different types of mounting systems and you need one that matches your car. Roof rails come in many variations. Most websites have a look up feature but visually check it matches your car. It was a tight fit and I went on the cheap end. I had to shorten the threaded bolts by cutting them with a junior hacksaw, otherwise they would have impacted on car roof. I used a blanket to protect the roof when test fitting and sliding the rack over.
Above, not my set up, towbar option
Showing rear boot could be fully opened
System after test fitting but before actual use.
Blanket used to protect roof during fitting. The longer threads were cut shorter using a junior hacksaw saw.
Main 2 issues are having to climb up high to fit the bikes, a small step stool helped but still far from ideal.
Minor issue is bikes can touch each other especially if one is small next to a big one. I strapped the pedals to prevent movement. In some configurations it may not be possible to fit 4 bikes due to handle bars hitting other bike etc.
Other issue is risk of wrecking the car if your bikes collide with a low entrance such as multi storey car park, barrier over entrance to normal car park like many shopping centres and woods etc. Also an issue on toll roads car only lanes with height restrictions. Even overhanging trees in housing estates. I hand wrote a big warning sign and stuck it to my dash to remind me!
In summary the towbar mount systems are probably better but total cost may be far higher
I used nordrive branded roof rails which are on the cheap end of things but better quality than Halfords own brand. I purchased extra straps from Amazon for peace of mind. The nordrive are max 15Kg per bike and car roof is max average 25Kg, so electric assist bikes would be too heavy, and even trying to lift them on to roof would be very difficult.
Wind noise was surprisingly low, but I did not feel comfortable over 100km/h especially with strong side winds. I could hear the straps tap against the car. More expensive systems have better non flappy straps.
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Comments
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I did the same with five bikes, 3 adult and 2 kids size. I was also using those Nordrive carriers. It was a very tight fit and involved adjusting saddle heights and handle bar heights to get them all to fit. It took the guts of an hour each time to get them up. A bit quicker to get them down.
I only carried five bikes for a couple of longer holidays, so it was worth the effort. It would be too frustrating to do for a day trip. I used one of these to avoid having to carry a footstool around.
We kept to 90 km/h and tried to avoid twisty roads, because I was most worried about lateral movements. It got us there and back safely but I probably wouldn't try it again. The underlying worry that it might not hold made for a slightly less relaxing holiday.
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